# Are the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 validated in Kiswahili and for Kenyan populations?

URL: https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/are-the-phq-9-and-gad-7-validated-in-kiswahili-and-for-kenyan-populations
For: Clinicians | Mental health care | Reviewed by Independent clinical reviewer, Registered mental health clinician, Kenya | Last reviewed 8 November 2026

**Answer:** Yes, for some groups. Studies have validated culturally adapted English and Kiswahili versions of the PHQ-9 among Kenyan adolescents, and the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 among adults living with HIV in Kilifi and among nurses, midwives and community health volunteers nationally. Optimal cut-off scores varied between studies and populations. Validation in other Kenyan languages and groups is limited, so treat scores as screening, not diagnosis, and check which version and cut-off suit your population.

Sources: Journal of Adolescent Health / PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36376148 - Frontiers in Psychiatry / PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37324823 - PMC: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9754261

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